Saddam’s Bombmaker is the true saga of one man’s journey through the circles of hell. Educated at MIT and Florida State University, dedicated to a life of peaceful teaching in America, Iraqi scientist Dr. Khidhir Hamza relates how Saddam’s regime ordered him home, seduced him into a pampered life as an atomic energy official, and forced him to design a bomb. The price of refusal was torture. With the cynical help of US, French, German, and British suppliers and experts, he secretly developed Baghdad’s nuclear bomb and kept it hidden from UN inspectors after the Gulf War. The tale of his escape, his first bungled contact with CIA agents, and his flight abroad will keep listeners riveted toward a climax worthy of a well-crafted spy thriller.

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Quotes & Awards

“Hamza’s keen sense of pacing and his clear and vivid writing serve to indict Iraq under Saddam, painting a detailed and convincing portrait of what it's like to live in a country under a violent dictator…Of the broadest interest to a wide spectrum of readers concerned about the fate of the world in the nuclear age.”

Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Reader Whitfield deserves accolades for his flawless performance as he changes tones to mirror Hamza’s roller-coaster emotions, particularly his horror, fear, and determination, as well his anger at Hussein and the CIA. Whitfield handles difficult pronunciations with ease, adds dramatic tension, and clearly involves himself in this timely account.”

Booklist

Listener Opinions

by Katie | 9/18/2013

" I heard the author speak on NPR and had to read it. Such an interesting first hand view of Saddam Hussein. Reminds me of memoirs written by people who knew Hitler. "

by Jack | 2/2/2013

" An excellent story of Saddam's weapons of mass destruction program. I have been to many of the locations and this book brought back many memories. "

by Elizabeth Greason | 6/11/2012

" My friend's dad wrote this book--I've just started it but it's doubly interesting (and terrifying!) since I know him! "

About the Author

Khidir Hamza is an Iraqi scientist who worked for Saddam Hussein’s nuclear program in the 1980s and early 1990s. He is the author of Saddam’s Bombmaker. Hamza was educated at MIT and Florida State University and now lives in Virginia.

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